Today we’d like to introduce you to Manny Stier.
Manny, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I graduated high school in 2014, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but I knew more school wasn’t in the picture. My mom had owned a cafe before and she was thinking of opening another one. My parents asked if I wanted to learn how to make gelato, and I said: “sure, why not?”. So, I went to North Carolina and learned to make gelato from scratch from an Italian chef. When I was there, I really liked the fact that there was a balance of art and science in making gelato, and I really just grabbed ahold of it and began exploring different ways to make it and different flavors and ingredients. Here we are, 1.5 years into the business and we’re still coming out with new flavors all the time. Not the most glamorous or heartfelt story but that’s the way it went.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, not at all. We had issues with opening, permits, construction, unethical people, cash flow and basically everything in between. Getting our doors open was definitely the biggest struggle. Since we’ve opened, Huntley has been nothing but amazing and welcoming and supportive of us and we greatly appreciate everyone who stops in our cafe. Without them it would not have been as smooth for the last 1.5 years, they make operating a business much easier, and we love serving them in return.
Please tell us about Manny’s Gelato and Cafe.
We are a cafe that serves gelato, coffee, sandwiches, smoothies and other drink and food options. Our claim to fame is our gelato definitely. We make it all in-house which that in itself sets us apart from the competition. We also put out a high standard when it comes to servicing our customers. Our customer service and how we interact with our customers is also something else we are proud of and sets up apart.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Hm, that’s a tough one. A lot comes to mind. I would say a family vacation where you would just get to spend time with the people you are close to.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11808 Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142
- Website: Mannysgelatoandcafe.com
- Phone: 224-858-7737
- Email: manny@mannysgelatoandcafe.com
Image Credit:
Manny Stier
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